After launching a revised version of the Mu-so earlier in the year, Naim has unwrapped the 2nd gen version of its Mu-so Qb speaker and it’s received more than just a lick of paint.
After the Naim Mu-so 2nd gen launched in May, we half-expected a refreshed version of the Mu-so Qb would be in the offing and lo, Naim has taken the covers of the new Mu-so Qb.
Related: Naim offers evolution with the 2nd gen Mu-so music system
What’s different? Well, like the Mu-so 2, while the Qb shares the same form factor as the previous incarnation, plenty of changes have been made.
It gains the illuminated volume dial, which also has a proximity sensor inside so it lights up whenever the user approaches it with their hand. Through the dial, playback controls, playlists and radio stations, Spotify as well as multi-room functionality can be accessed. These features can also be found within the Naim app.
Inside are all-new drivers, capable of generating 300 Watts of power, and like the Mu-so 2, they’ve been optimised with assistance from Focal and Naim’s VerVent Audio associate. The brain powering the Qb 2 has been upgraded too, with ten times more processing power onboard “for even greater musical accuracy”.
The Qb 2 boasts streaming capabilities aplenty with the High Resolution audio (files up to 32bit/384kHz) via UPnP, AirPlay 2 (including Apple Music), Spotify, TIDAL, Chromecast built-in and Internet radio. It’s also Roon Ready.
For connectivity, Wi-Fi performance has seen some gains, but the Ethernet port remains for those who prefer a hard-wired connection. Bluetooth playback is available, with a USB, 3.5mm output and optical port rounding out the connections.
“The launch of Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation brings Naim’s Award-winning music-streaming platform to more people – and rooms – than ever before. Its size-defying power and performance make it a superb option on its own, but it’s also perfect as part of a multiroom system – ideal for smaller spaces where the bigger Mu-so, which is increasingly finding a home under the TV as a soundbar as well as a music system, may not fit”, says Naim Audio MD, Charlie Henderson.
The Naim Mu-so 2 Qb is available from 2nd September for a suggested retail price of £749/€849/$899.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
